Greetings Arizona…
We just finished a great convention. While we had many in attendance, I realize I was unable to say farewell to some of you, so I want to close my tour with one last Thank You to all in our Legion Family for the opportunity to get to know and serve with you. As I have said, I know not everything was perfect, but I am grateful to all who gave their best. I certainly tried to give you my best….and together, We were able to accomplish many great things for the year.
I must congratulate all who ran for office, whether successful or not. It takes a certain courage to face the many challenges of the run, and I respect those who use more than words, by being leaders of action.
To our new Department Commander, Ross Bergstresser, well done. I will find ways to support you at every turn. You will do a great job, I am sure, as is obvious to those who elected you and those who will come to know you better.
To the new Vice Commanders: Al Young of Area A; Paul Johnson of Area B; and Kathryn Foor of Area C; your area memberships chose wisely and the entirety of the Department ratified you….meaning we have pledged our support for you.
We all learned a lot this year. Most importantly, I think we learned where we can improve to ensure we are, in fact, fulfilling the purposes of our very existence as The American Legion of Arizona.
There are so many great ideas, yet so little time… meaning the involvement of more of us is essential to accomplishing the goals set.
I need to thank the Headquarters Staff. We spent most of the year without a full staff, which left a distinguished Adjutant Matt and Administrative Assistant Stephanie grasping for more hours in the day to complete tasks-so- many that it seemed impossible …but with the additions of Emily and Bill, I think we began to provide the service you really needed.
To the Area Vice Commanders, MO, Voodoo, and Ron… AND
the District Commanders, Commission and Committee Chairs, and members…I learned a lot about where your heart lies when it comes to selfless service…thank you for your immeasurable efforts.
At the Convention, when we had resolution discussions, I heard many ask questions and make suggestions…all good points of interest…but also indicators that we have some members who are ready to help serve on committees, as it is evident that their thoughts and actions could benefit us all. I encourage you to contact our new Commander and express your interests on where you’d like to serve. Yes, you can make a difference, and your voice is being heard.
We are a diverse group, and therefore, will not always agree…but healthy, RESPECTFUL communications can lead us to the solutions that will likely help us find strength…to find the greatness held in store for Arizona.
Now, the will of the membership has been expressed…now is the time to work together and live our motto of Veterans Strengthening America.
Remember leadership 101: Praise in public, and discuss critical differences in private. Those who choose to air the dirty laundry to all only hurt themselves in the long run, as it goes to character that is not easily forgotten.
My vision remains: Arizona epitomizes the commitment of Veterans Strengthening America.
To achieve that vision, my mission remains to “empower veterans to recognize their immense value to each other, their families, and communities, while providing honorable, impactful, and selfless service rooted in the principles of the Four Pillars of The American Legion.
You know, we are still suffering about 22 veteran suicides each and every day…and we had a few perish here in Arizona over the last year. We have lost about 7000 lives in combat-related operations since that time…but more difficult to accept, we have lost some 160,000 friends who took their own lives.
Please, never fail to Be the ONE, to Save the ONE….and the only way we can do that is to step up and soundly commit to: I’m the One who’ll get this done…to find ways to reach out to my brothers and sisters in need.
You know, June is recognized as National PTSD Awareness Month, with a special emphasis on PTSD Awareness Day on June 27th. The designation serves to educate the public about trauma, erase the stigma surrounding mental health, and promote access to effective, life-changing treatment for PTSD …watch, and listen for the signs of our friends who may be struggling…and help them to realize the great value they still have to offer to us all…sometimes we have to help them find it within themselves…and it starts by simply listening and talking.
You know I always have a closing thought, so please consider the wisdom in these words:
“The one who blames others has a long way to go on their journey. Those who blame themselves are halfway there….and the one who blames no one has arrived.”
We can have our periods of fun, but never forget our roots and why we are here.
I close, again with all appreciation for your support during my year as your Commander…
Thank you….I’ll see you around…we still have so much good to do…
